This event marked one year to the day since the nation entered its first lockdown. We paused to remember everyone, and everything, we have lost over the past year. We offered our thoughts for those who died as a result of Covid-19 itself and for everyone whose passing was not properly marked due to the pandemic’s unprecedented restrictions. We reflected on the hopes and dreams we have put on hold, the sacrifices that have been made, the way of life that sometimes feels like a distant memory.
The past year has been challenging for everyone. The nation is mourning innumerable losses and millions of people have made huge sacrifices for themselves, their families and the greater good. By late February 2021, nearly 130,000 had died as a result of Covid-19 in the UK alone, with millions of people left bereaved and unable to grieve properly due to ongoing social distancing and travel restrictions.
In this event – which coincided with the national minute of silence on March 23rd – guests shared their thoughts, words and songs. Together, we honoured loved ones lost and reflected on the challenges we have overcome.
This session was hosted by Janet Ellis and featured multi-award winning actor Jim Carter; best-selling writer Sir Michael Morpurgo; the UK’s Slam Poet of the Year 2020 Tyrone; Mark Honigsbaum (author of Pandemic Century), stand-up poet Kate Fox and Marie Curie Chief Executive, Matthew Reed.
If you’re struggling with grief or need support, you can find free bereavement resources, and a list of organisations that can help, on http://mariecurie.org.uk/bereavement-resources . You can also call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309* for ongoing support from a trained bereavement volunteer.
*Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles. Your calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.
